Cyprus: The EEZ is being filled with drills – Tensions and challenges are expected

An “exit” to the Cypriot drilling eEZ and “heavy traffic” is expected in the next few weeks, with the Turkish side trying to respond to the energy program of the Republic of Cyprus, which is restarting. Despite the fact that companies seek to avoid the unexpected, de facto mobility in the EEZ will cause tensions and challenges.

In the big picture, three data are formed, which will cause mobility:

First, the move was made in the “slums” although it had been closed since last September in New York, when the President and his associates had a meeting with the leadership of ExxonMobil. There, according to information, the licensing of the 5th block of the Cypriot EEZ to the Exxon-Qatar Petroleum consortium was closed. This is a development that the Qataris, who participate with the Americans in the consortium, also wanted very much. Nicosia wanted this development as it is considered an important confirmation of its energy program and strengthens its sovereignty. Occupying Turkey, for its part, considers that part of 5 5 της belongs to it. In fact, when he tried to discuss the EEZ delimitation with Egypt, he allegedly offered it to Cairo!

The information states that the Exxon-Qatar Petroleum consortium will drill close to 10 and will not expand in a “disputed” area, as Turkey wants to present it. It is noted that based on the seismic surveys carried out by the consortium, a deposit has been identified, which starts at 10 and extends to the neighboring 5. And in fact the findings are considered very important. There is, however, no indication when drilling will start in block 5.

Secondly, the confirmatory drilling of Exxon-Qatar Petroleum in block 10 of the Cypriot EEZ will begin in December. It is estimated that it will last until January while results are expected in April or May.

Thirdly, the French-Italian consortium TOTAL – EMI, as it is duly reported, plans, in the first months of the new year, 2022, to start drilling in the sea block 6, in which Turkey has done in the past, but not close to the one chosen by the licensed from the Republic of Cyprus companies.

The Turkish reaction

The focus is on Ankara and how it will react to the new scenario that is being set up. The information states that at least as far as they are concerned, the Americans have made sure to negotiate with the Turks, that they will not allow harassment or obstruction of the drillings. Ankara considers that block 10 is not in its “claims”. For 5, Turkey considers itself within its continental shelf, but not the whole (not the part that interests the Americans). As for the other companies, it seems that they will keep their distance from “disputed” areas, as they are illegally determined by the occupying power.

According to reliable information, occupying Turkey is oriented towards drilling – a response to the one to be carried out by the ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum consortium in the 10th block of the Cypriot EEZ. Where; In areas that, according to the Turkish claim, belong to the jurisdiction of the pseudo-state. That is, in areas where, under the direction of the Ankara regime, the occupying regime granted the στην rights to the Turkish state-owned company Turkish Petroleum (TRAO) for exploration and drilling. It is noted in this regard that there is a decision taken for drilling in the illegal plots “F” and “G” that has allegedly been granted by the pseudo-state to TRAO south of Cyprus. It is recalled that a letter was sent to the United Nations on April 8, 2019, through the Turkish Permanent Representative to the United Nations, defining the… area of ​​the pseudo-state.

Based on the map submitted, these plots overlap the sea plots of the Cyprus EEZ 1,2,3,8,9,13 for four of which research permits were issued to the Italian EMI, in which the French TOTAL now participates. In these areas, three-dimensional seismic surveys have already been carried out by the Turkish side. Therefore, they are now ready for drilling and will not need any preparation.

Turkey wants to show that everything is done at the invitation of the pseudo-state and will highlight the “rights of the Turkish Cypriots” through these illegal actions.

Nicosia obviously wants to have a restart of its energy program, having agreed with both the companies and their governments. It tries to involve other players, but also the countries of the region. At the same time, it seems that circles in Athens are reading developments differently. These circles consider these actions to be high risk at this time, as Erdogan is under pressure due to the economic crisis. They believe that the Turkish President may want to bring out the crisis, causing tension.

This reading of developments, however, although no action by Ankara can be ruled out, can obviously not guide Nicosia’s next steps. As it is noted, the Republic of Cyprus has entered into negotiations with the companies operating in the Cyprus EEZ, mainly with the governments of the countries from which they come.

COVERED AGAINST THE EU THE DIRECT DECISION OF “5”

The Government decided to assign the block 5 directly to the consortium, finding a “window” in the European regulation, which, in passing, for such cases due to free competition, provides for an open tender. Nicosia took advantage of the fact that 10 is adjacent to 5 and this means that the surveys, mainly their results, can be extended to areas that are a continuation of the licensed seafront. Therefore, the Republic of Cyprus is fully covered vis-της-vis the EU. with this decision. The direct assignment, that is, without a tender.

Cooperation networks with countries in the region

Ankara is trying to launch cooperation networks in countries in the region and especially in countries with which it has not had good relations in recent years. This move is made for two reasons. The first is financial and this was evident from the cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, which, as announced, will invest 10 billion dollars in Turkey. And this despite the fact that their relationship until recently was hostile.

It is recalled that Turkey accused the UAE of being involved in the 2016 coup against Erdogan, while the UAE claims that Ankara is strengthening the “Muslim Brotherhood” to destabilize regimes in the region. It is further recalled that the UAE has bombed a Turkish base in Libya. Secondly, apart from the economic dimension, it is obvious that Ankara’s openings are also of geopolitical importance. It is trying to break the cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Greece in the region. The effort for rapprochement with Israel and Egypt continues, while Athens and Nicosia are closely following the developments.

Source: philenews